Lionel Messi matched Cafu's unique achievement by reaching his third World Cup final

Argentina have reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with captain Lionel Messi once again writing his name into football history.

For the 39-year-old Argentine, the upcoming title match will be the third World Cup final of his career. With that achievement, Messi has equaled the unique record of legendary Brazilian defender Cafu, who also appeared in three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals — in 1994, 1998, and 2002.

Messi first reached the World Cup final in 2014, when Argentina lost 1–0 to Germany after extra time. Eight years later, he led La Albiceleste to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, defeating France in one of the most memorable finals in the tournament's history.

Now, the Argentine star will have the opportunity to lift football's most prestigious trophy for a second consecutive time and become a two-time world champion.

Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup semifinals denied Kylian Mbappé the chance to achieve another historic milestone. Following France's defeat to Spain, the Les Bleus forward will not be able to appear in a third consecutive World Cup final.

Mbappé had already played in the World Cup finals of 2018, when France became world champions, and 2022, when Les Bleus lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. Had France reached the 2026 final, he would have become the first footballer in history to play in three consecutive FIFA World Cup finals.

Instead, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will see Argentina face Spain, with Messi aiming not only to win a second consecutive world title but also to further cement his place among the most successful players in World Cup history.